Real Estate Investing in Ridgway, Colorado (81432)
Everything the listing leaves out — vacancy, rent trend, cap rate, landlord climate. All free.
Should you buy in 81432 (Ridgway, CO)? Our answer, based on the numbers below.
Multiple negative signals. Better options likely exist nearby.
A middle-of-the-road market. Workable, but the best opportunities may be nearby ZIPs rather than this one.
- High vacancy: 23.2% of homes vacant — above national norms.
- High price-to-rent: Price-to-rent ratio 28.4 — hard to cash-flow at these prices.
What’s happening in Ridgway, CO (81432)?
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Market Analysis: 81432 Ridgway
This part of Ouray County is not an easy win. The 81432 ZIP posts softness in key indicators, and the playbook that works in cleaner markets often stalls here.
If the plan assumes clean turnover, on-time rent, and low maintenance on a $884K asset, 81432 is the wrong submarket. If the plan prices in friction, the yield can still work.
Statewide comparisons place 81432 among CO's softer markets. That context does not make the ZIP uninvestable, but it does raise the bar for due diligence.
Demographically, 81432 is a market where tenant selection matters more than unit finishes. Operators who understand that tend to do fine; those who do not tend to learn why the ZIP trades at a discount.
New investors are better served looking at Ridgway's stable or hybrid ZIPs before stepping into 81432. The learning curve here is expensive when the lesson is wrong.
Here's what matters if you're considering buying a home in Ridgway:
Property Strategy for 81432
Which property type performs best in this market?
📊 Compare All Property Types →
| Type | Median Value | Est. Rent | Cap Rate | 5yr CAGR | $/Bedroom |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1BR | $496,694 | $1,310 | 1.9% | — | $496,694 |
| 2BR | $670,094 | $1,610 | 1.7% | +8.0% | $335,047 |
| 3BR | $887,307 | $2,240 | 1.8% | +8.4% | $295,769 |
| 4BR | $1,185,845 | $2,530 | 1.5% | +9.8% | $296,461 |
Market Trends
Home Value History (with trend line)
Rent History (with trend line)
📊 How Does 81432 Compare?
| Metric | 81432 | Ridgway | Montrose, CO | Colorado |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Home Value | $883,995 | $883,995 | N/A | $535,778 |
| 5-Year CAGR | 5.4% | 5.4% | N/A | 4.9% |
| Avg Rent | $2,595 | $2,595 | N/A | - |
| Cap Rate | 2.3% | 2.3% | - | - |
Similar ZIPs Within 25 Miles
Compare other nearby markets to see if a neighbor offers a better fit.
Landlord Ground Truth
Real numbers from people who own or manage rentals in ZIP 81432 (Ridgway, CO). Anonymous, moderated, never written by AI.
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📊 Market Snapshot
| Home Value | $883,995 |
| Monthly Rent | $2,595 |
| Price-to-Rent | 28.4:1 |
| 1% Rule | ✗ Fails |
💰 Return Metrics
| Gross Yield | 3.5% |
| Cap Rate | 2.3% |
| 5-Year IRR | 7.7% |
📈 Home Appreciation
| 1-Year | +2.7% ▲ |
| 3-Year CAGR | +3.1% ▲ |
| 5-Year CAGR | +5.4% ▲ |
| 10-Year CAGR | +7.8% ▲ |
🏠 Rent Trends
| 1-Year | N/A |
| 3-Year CAGR | N/A |
| 5-Year CAGR | N/A |
The current 30-yr mortgage rate (6.8%) exceeds the estimated cap rate (2.3%). Financing reduces your cash-on-cash return below the cap rate. Markets like this may still make sense as IRR plays — factoring in appreciation, depreciation, and a future refinance when rates drop.
Run an IRR Analysis →⚠️ Risk Signals
Composite view of factors that can impact a ZIP's stability and your downside risk.
Demographics in 81432
Population: 3,150
Crime & Safety
Crime & Safety Data Coming Soon
We're integrating comprehensive crime statistics including violent crime rates, property crime, and safety scores to help you make informed investment decisions.
Expected: Q1 2025
🎓 Schools in 81432
Schools in This ZIP Code
About Repit School Scores
Traditional school ratings rely heavily on standardized test scores, which often reflect family income more than school quality. Repit takes a different approach.
We evaluate schools based on factors that research shows actually impact educational outcomes:
- Class Size — Smaller classes mean more individual attention
- School Funding — Resources available for programs, staff, and facilities
- Community Factors — Neighborhood characteristics that influence student success
- School Environment — Size, type, and structure
Scores are updated annually using federal education data.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do landlord-tenant laws work in Ridgway, CO?
CO law landlord-friendly for landlords, and Ridgway inherits those rules. Investors should still review local ordinances for rental licensing.
What strategy should investors use in Ridgway, CO?
Investors usually favor careful cash-flow rentals with hands-on management in Ridgway, CO. With home values at $884K and rents near $2,595/mo, other strategies can work but produce even-keeled rather than outsized returns.
How much should I expect to pay for a home in Ridgway, CO?
Expect median prices around $884K in Ridgway, CO. The market has run at a 0.0% 5-year CAGR, so entry costs have been consistent.
What is the investability score for Ridgway, CO?
Yes - Ridgway, CO a 3.0/5 investability score. With $884K home prices against $2,595/mo monthly rent, the market delivers a reasonable entry point for new investors.
How deep is the rental pool in Ridgway, CO?
The tenant pool in Ridgway, CO is solid, supported by local employment and population fundamentals. Rents of $2,595/mo are well-absorbed by the market.
You know 81432 now. You don’t know where it ranks.
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How 81432 ranks in Montrose, CO
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